Cream Cheese Danish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cream Cheese Danish is a crowd-pleasing pastry that blends the sweet and tangy cream cheese filling with the crisp, buttery layers of puff pastry. The glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness, and the filling is incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply enjoying a sweet treat, these pastries are perfect for satisfying your cravings with minimal effort.

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 1 package puff pastry (about 2 sheets)

For the cream cheese filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 egg yolk

For the glaze:

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

• 1-2 teaspoons milk (or water)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the cream cheese filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract and continue to mix until the filling is smooth and creamy. Set aside.

3. Prepare the puff pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into 4 squares, making a total of 8 squares. You can also cut them into circles or rectangles, depending on your preference.

4. Assemble the danishes: Place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Fold the edges of the pastry slightly over the filling to create a border. If you’d like, you can also fold each corner toward the center to form a more enclosed shape.

5. Bake the danishes: Arrange the filled pastries on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.

6. Prepare the glaze: While the danishes are baking, mix the powdered sugar with milk (or water) until smooth. The glaze should be drizzly but not too runny.

7. Drizzle the glaze: Once the danishes are baked and cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top of each pastry.

8. Serve: Allow the danishes to cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm but are also delicious at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 pastries

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Fruit-Topped Danish: Add fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries on top of the cream cheese filling before baking for a fruity twist.

• Cinnamon Danish: Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the cream cheese filling for a warm, spiced flavor.

• Almond Filling: Add a tablespoon of almond extract to the cream cheese filling for an almond-flavored twist.

• Gluten-Free Danish: Use gluten-free puff pastry to make this recipe gluten-free, ensuring all the ingredients are also gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover Cream Cheese Danishes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to bring back their crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?

While puff pastry works best for this recipe, you can use phyllo dough, but the texture will be different. Phyllo dough will be more delicate and crisp, so the result won’t be as flaky as puff pastry.

Can I make these danishes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the danishes the day before, assemble them, and store them in the refrigerator. The next morning, just bake them as instructed. This makes them a great make-ahead breakfast option.

Can I freeze these danishes?

Yes! You can freeze the assembled but unbaked danishes. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, simply bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and puffed.

How can I make the cream cheese filling fluffier?

For a fluffier cream cheese filling, beat the filling with an electric mixer for a few minutes until it’s light and airy. You can also add a bit of whipped cream cheese for a lighter texture.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Danish is a delicious and easy pastry that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings. With a crispy, flaky pastry, a rich and creamy filling, and a sweet glaze on top, it’s a dessert that everyone will love. Plus, it’s simple to make and customizable with your favorite fillings or fruit, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing choice! Enjoy!

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